Islamic preacher Zakir Naik caused a stir on Wednesday by abruptly leaving the stage during an event organized by the Pakistan Sweet Home Foundation, a charitable organization supporting orphaned girls. Naik, who had been invited to present awards to the young girls, exited the venue after the host referred to the orphans as “daughters.”
The incident occurred when the announcer called the orphaned girls to the stage for felicitation and used the term “daughters” in reference to them. Naik objected to the terminology, stating that it was inappropriate for the host to refer to the girls in such a manner, citing that they were “non-mahrams.” In Islamic law, “non-mahrams” refers to individuals who are not closely related and can potentially marry one another.
“You cannot touch them or call them your daughters,” Naik reportedly said, before abruptly leaving the event. His departure sparked controversy, with many attendees and online observers expressing shock at his actions during a gathering meant to celebrate the achievements of orphaned girls.
Zakir Naik’s visit to Pakistan has already attracted significant attention. According to The Tribune, he is scheduled to deliver a series of public speeches in major cities such as Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore. He is also expected to lead Friday prayer congregations during his stay. The Pakistani government gave Naik a red carpet welcome, and he met with several high-ranking officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, ahead of his meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Naik has been living in Malaysia since 2016 after facing legal action in India. India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) has charged him under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and sections of the Indian Penal Code related to promoting enmity and hate speech. The charges against Naik escalated after the July 2016 terror attack in Dhaka, where one of the attackers claimed to have been influenced by Naik’s sermons.
India has sought Naik’s extradition to face trial, but Malaysia has not yet complied with the request.
Naik’s latest controversy adds to the debate surrounding his presence in Pakistan, with critics questioning the government’s warm reception of a figure wanted in India on terrorism-related charges.
